Recently bought a spading fork from Home Depot. Was supposed to be
"Kodiak contractor grade² Cost me $30. Had forged tines but this was
connected to a wooden handle with a metal junction. I lent it to a friend
and he returned it bent - the junction between the fork and handle is a
soft metal that bends easily. So even though the tines are forged it is
really very easy to bend the junction out of shape. I realize this is
acting as a fuse and protecting the tines but the replacement cost and
hassle of replacing the handle is something I would rather live without.
I would like to find a fork with more robust construction.

Secondly, bought a spade similar story, wood handle breaks after mild
abuse (was being used as one of many pry bars to move a heavy root ball).

So I am looking for a source of hand tools that are indestructible and
will stand up to reasonable use and abuse. I cannot find any spades or
forks with fiberglass handles and am actually uncertain if they are
indestructible.

So if anyone knows of hand tools that will last a lifetime I would love to
hear about them.

Roland